てみせる(Japanese Grammar Explained – With Examples)

In Japanese, the grammar pattern “てみせる” (te miseru) is used to express a strong determination or intention to perform an action and show the result or outcome to someone. It is formed by combining the te-form of a verb with “みせる” (miseru), which means “to show” or “to display,” as explained in the previous answer.

The pattern “てみせる” (te miseru) can be translated as “to show (someone) by doing” or “to demonstrate.” It conveys the speaker’s strong commitment to perform the action and the desire to show the result to someone else, often in the context of proving something or proving oneself.

Here’s how to use “てみせる” in a sentence:

1. Take the verb you want to use, and change it to its te-form.
2. Add “みせる” (miseru) or its polite form “みせます” (misemasu) after the te-form.

Here’s a few examples of てみせる in action:

1. もう一度チャンスをくれたら、成功してみせる。 (Mou ichido chansu o kuretara, seikou shite miseru.) If you give me one more chance, I’ll show you that I can succeed.
2. 彼女に感動してみせます。 (Kanojo ni kandou shite misemasu.) I’ll show her (that I can) move her (emotionally).
3. この試験に合格してみせる。 (Kono shiken ni goukaku shite miseru.) I will pass this exam and show (everyone).

In these examples, the speaker expresses a strong determination to perform the action (succeeding, moving someone emotionally, or passing an exam) and show the result to someone else, emphasizing their commitment and confidence in achieving the desired outcome.

Need some more examples? No problem:

Here are more examples using the “てみせる” (te miseru) grammar pattern to express determination and the intention to show the results of an action to others:

1. 彼にうまく料理してみせる。 (Kare ni umaku ryouri shite miseru.) I’ll show him that I can cook well.
2. 今度の試合で優勝してみせます。 (Kondo no shiai de yuushou shite misemasu.) I’ll win the next match and show (everyone).
3. 短期間で日本語をマスターしてみせる。 (Tanki kan de nihongo o masutaa shite miseru.) I’ll master Japanese in a short period and show (everyone).
4. このプロジェクトを成功させてみせます。 (Kono purojekuto o seikou sasete misemasu.) I’ll make this project a success and show (everyone).
5. あの山に登ってみせる。 (Ano yama ni nobotte miseru.) I’ll climb that mountain and show (everyone).

Any questions?